Wellness + Self Care

Back to Basics: 10 Natural, Women Owned, Palm-Oil Free Bar Soap Brands

published on March 24, 2024 by Angela Hamilton

When I originally set out to write a post on biodegradable soap, I didn’t intend on palm oil being the subject. Honestly, I just love a good, effective natural skincare product all wrapped in some pretty, sustainable packaging. That’s it. It’s a light, afternoon kind of blog read, and palm oil is, well, not. Unfortunately, just like when I first started boycotting pantry ingredients and other foods containing palm oil, the more soap brands I came across, the more palm oil I found. This time under the name sodium palmate, which acts as an emulsifier. So, while there are lots and lots of other small soap companies you could support, I wanted to make sure this list featured not only natural, and women owned soap brands, but palm oil free bar soap exclusively.

(If you’re not familiar with the devastating effects the palm oil industry is having on our environment and the people and organisms within it, we’ve posted the basics here, how to quit it here, an AP investigation here.This very dated article is also a good start if you’re new to the issue and its effects on threatened and endangered animals.)

I know that a lot of other common body care ingredients can have detrimental effects on our planet, but I think avoiding palm oil is really the best place you could start, especially if you’re new to natural beauty. And it just so happened that the biodegradable soap brands I’ve listed below are all women-owned, making soaps in small batches that are free of lots of other questionable ingredients you’ll find in more conventional products. And the packaging on these beauties? Yup, 10000% eco club approved:

TERRA-TORY is an NY based all-natural soap company touting 100% Natural 0% Bullsh*t Skincare. This is a very rare company that is both palm and coconut oil free… Learn more on their website.

Vegan + eco friendly soap from Smithmade Essentials are fun & fragrant artisan soaps handmade in small batches in New Haven, CT. On their site you can find the full details about each ingredient used.

No Tox Life has their own line of body cleansing bars wrapped in recycled paper for shipping. Be sure to grab their famous dish wash block and deodorant while you’re there!

BHAVANANYC makes all-natural, vegan sea salt soap bars using luxe natural ingredients like activated charcoal and Rose Kaolin Clay.

Bell Mountain Naturals are makers of natural small batch soaps that are super cute, and always palm free. You might be familiar with their gem design!

UK vegan soap-on-a-rope brand KLEEN cures their all-natural soaps for a minimum of 6 weeks and uses only skin-friendly, eco-friendly ingredients that are free of palm oil, parabens, and toxins. Not to mention, their packaging and branding is totally gift-worthy.

Another handmade soap brand, Unearth Malee specializes in palm oil free Thai-inspired soaps, lotions, lip balms, and even solid dish soap! To further raise awareness of the devastating effects of palm oil, the brand donates a portion of sales to help save the endangered orangutan. Learn more in founder Marie’s Etsy shop!

Naked & Thriving is a sister and brother founded skincare brand that offers products free of over 2500 potentially harmful ingredients, environmentally-friendly (free of palm oil of course), and with many organic ingredients for a truly natural clean. They have a full line of skincare, from cleansing bars to oils to

Founded in 2019, Rustic Glory Soap Co offers both scented and unscented palm oil free soap bars infused with nourishing essential oils and botanicals. And they are just the prettiest bars to place on your bathroom counters!

Latina woman owned soap brand Nopalera harnesses the power of Native Mexican Prickly pear cactus along with healing plant oils for nourishing soaps, moisturizers and creams.

The brands above also feature sustainable packaging, making truly biodegradable soap for us all to enjoy… sans palm oil.

On the hunt for more zero waste body and skincare products? Check out these brands!

We are always looking for beautiful, natural, quality skincare and body brands to add to our lists. If you know of another palm oil free bar soap brand, let us know below!

Our Everist Review is Here!

updated on June 15, 2024 by Angela Hamilton

Today is the day! Six months after first trying everist, we’re finally ready to share our review! It’s hair care (kind of a big deal) so we really wanted to ensure this was a good representation of our experiences with the brand. If you missed it on Instagram, everist sent both Jenn and I their Shower Essentials Bundle, which features their waterless shampoo concentrate, conditioner, body wash, and zero-waste konjac sponge to try before adding them to our directory. I’ve been following them since they first launched and couldn’t wait to see if they were worth the hype. So if you’re wondering the same, read on for our full everist review!

Full transparency, because this is a (spoiler alert) positive review, and we did indeed add them to our list of top sustainable brands we love, we use affiliate links throughout this post. If you buy through one of those links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Thanks for understanding and keeping this blog alive!

What is everist?

Everist is a line of waterless haircare and bodycare products that reduce environmental impact of shipping water by offering concentrates of their formulas. They also exclude conventional chemicals and single use plastic. If you’re not familiar with the brand, check out their insta for info and tutorials.

Their schtick: “Most shampoos, conditioners and body washes are more than 70% water, made from petrochemicals and packed in single-use plastic. We took out the water, packed in the skincare ingredients and concentrated them down into luxe creams to make products that are better for the planet and amazing for your hair, skin and scalp.”

Each tube contains only the formula itself — you mix it with water while you’re in the shower. The idea is, you’re already using these in the shower, why wouldn’t you just use the water you have in there with you?

These products are the latest in the movement toward quality personal care products that are as harmless to the planet as they are to the person using them. I love this concept personally because one of my biggest pet peeves is when brands tout their nontoxic ingredients and health benefits, while showing little to no concern for the planet — which is, as you may know, our home. Mother Earth’s health is our health, you know!

Anyway, Jenn and I each used the everist waterless haircare products and body wash for the last several months. We have different hair types and skin needs, so we figured we’d each share our take.

Angela left, Jenn right

Angela’s everist review

Hair Type: fine but not thin, long, straight
Concerns: gets greasy quickly, lacks volume
Wash: 3x per week
Dose: about .5″ shampoo, a little more to condition
Using everist for: 5 months

shampoo + conditioner concentrate

I wash my hair every 2-3 days. Prior to everist, I didn’t have a go-to shampoo and conditioner, I’d pretty much try a new one each time I had to stock up. Everist typically recommends using an inch-long dose of the product, but they told me people use anywhere from .5″ to 1.5″ per wash and that while most customers replenish every three months, some replenish every month, so it really varies as far as how fast they go through the tube.

I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was for me to work the shampoo and body wash into a lather. For the shampoo, I’d make sure my hair was completely wet, as well as my hands. I’d rub together in my hands a little (but it’s a bit squirmy and I didn’t want to drop the stuff) and then just kinda slide it over the top of my head and massage it into my scalp from there. The more I massaged, the sudsier it got, which made it easier to move across the rest of my scalp. I feel like this is an advantage over shampoo bars.

The conditioner required a bit more each wash, but I have pretty long hair (below my chest) so I go higher than just roots. After using for a couple weeks, I loved how my hair looked after the wash, condition, and drying. That said, I had to get used to the fact that my hair wasn’t as soft and tangle-free as it would be after I’d use a conventional conditioner. Conventional conditioners usually make it easier to comb through hair (which is prone to those very tiny but painful knots) but I found with this conditioner I maintained my post-shampoo tangles. That didn’t bother me though because I use de-tangler religiously, so as long as I kept up that routine I was good. And once brushed through and dried, it looked great!

the body wash concentrate

While I liked the waterless shampoo and conditioner concentrates, I loved the body wash! I’ve always been sensitive to fragrance, but still wanted the clean feeling that you sometimes lack with unscented products. This is like the best of bold worlds. Super subtle, no strong scent, and yet I actually felt like I was getting a good clean. I would absolutely spring for the bundle with the biodegradable konjac sponge (and I have), because it helps it reach full lather status. Just remember to wring your sponge out and hang to dry — if it stays wet, it will disintegrate (trust me). Can your loofah do that?!

the packaging

The packaging, tubes, and keys are recycled and recyclable (anyone else hate when brands brag about being recyclable? Oh, so you’re made of literally anything? Cool.) As far as the caps, which are too small for curbside recycling, you can find instructions on their website. This eco-friendly packaging is actually a huge reason why everist products are priced the way they are (their superior ingredients are another reason). Ever since we started our own online boutique, both Jenn and I have even more respect for those who invest in sustainable packaging. It’s truly so expensive and hard to find.

The bottom line: is everist worth the money?

I highly recommend everist, but with some caveats: My bundle actually lasted me around four months, making my cost per month for hair + body care products lower than someone who has to re-up more often. I just started using my second round, and hope to sustain it going forward. And I absolutely recommend to someone who is used to using luxury haircare products, as the price is really quite reasonable ($28 a pop) when compared to designer shampoos and conditioners. However, if I had to use more often, I’d probably have to (begrudgingly) supplement with a cheaper product to stay within my budget.

You do have to be willing to get used to the idea of a concentrate. I’ve actually enjoyed the journey so far. I’m normally always in a rush, and this kind of forces me to be a bit more mindful about my routine.

jenn’s everist review

Hair Type: naturally wavy/curly 2C hair
Concerns: is often dry and tangles quickly
Wash: 3x per week
Dose: 1-1.5 inch of shampoo, same for conditioner
Using everist for: 3 months

my experience

After using it for about three months, I love that it makes my hair feel super clean and also shiny. At first, I felt like I was using a lot of the product and that I’d run out early because I have so much hair, but there’s actually a lot in those tubes! I apply the shampoo to the top of my scalp and work into a lather, but I apply extra under my hair too (that’s where it can get really oily). Sometimes takes a while to get it into a lather, although I love how my hair looks and feels after. When it comes to the body wash, the konjac sponge really helps with this, though a loofah works too.

The conditioner is amazing! I mainly apply this to my ends but since I have long hair (and a lot of it), I end up using more than an inch. I leave it on for 5-10 minutes while washing my face, shaving, etc.

Something to note: I’m pregnant and have been the entire time I’ve used everist. I know everyone talks about dramatic hair changes during those pregnancy months! For me, I feel like it’s just been a bit more unruly and drier than usual. I’ll update this posts when I’ve used it a few months postpartum!

would I recommend everist?

Yes! I’d definitely recommend everist if you have the budget for it. Personally, I would have to restock more often than Angela, but if budget weren’t an option I’d consider buying regularly.

Shop helloeverist.com and follow them on IG here!

5 Indigenous-Owned Skincare Brands Your Skin Will Love

updated on October 21, 2024 by Sadie Kromm

Feeding your skin with delicious serums and essences is a current trend in the beauty industry. But it’s not just the ingredients that should make the product succulent. It is also about the enrichment of wisdom being intertwined.

We, as humans, have skin that is similar to the epidermal cells and cuticles of a plant leaf. Not to mention, we share common DNA with many living organisms. It’s one subtle indication of how we should look to Mother Earth-approved companies and business owners, such as Indigenous peoples, who have committed to offering safe and ethically sourced products for inner and outer beauty. They are often considered the custodians and stewards of the earth, yet we see a lack of representation at beauty bars and cosmetic retailers across the globe.

The education in herbalism and sustainable practices that have been passed down from generation to generation is truly hard to ever surpass. In order for the plant of enlightenment to bloom for future generations, we must acknowledge as settlers and earth citizens that the act of watering the source is an important step in preservation instead of standing by and hoping the weeds don’t wilt.

Here are 5 Indigenous-owned brands your skin will love

Flyy Bod

From vibrant skin to vibrant packaging, Flyy Bod is proudly owned by Elissa, a Minjungbal woman of Bundjalung Nation located in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.

Flybodd offers yummy body lotions, washes, butters, and scrubs that will leave your skin begging for more. For instance, the BOD butter comes in three mouthwatering flavors that include tropical coconut, peachy papi, and a fragrance-free option. It features tropical ingredients such as Kakadu Plum, which was also eaten raw by the First Nations people, and Finger Lime, an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sḵwálwen

Bonding with the Earth has never been easier through the care of Skwalen, founded by Leigh (ancestral name Styawat), from the Skwxwú7mesh First Nations.

Sḵwálwen’s ingredients have a truly interesting journey. They first spend time on the land in between forests, estuaries, and or subalpine meadows. Later, the elements are processed through the mediums of scraping bark, cleaning, hanging to dry, infusing in oil, and more. It will then be developed into each recipe that turns into clays, plant butters, and quality oils.

The products range from Téýwilh Sweetgrass, Sage, and Rose Geranium Toner, Tewín’xw Cranberry Rose Facial Serum, and Kw’as Cocomint Lip Balm.

All of Sḵwálwen’s products are free from harsh chemicals, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances and colors.

Satya Organics

Inclusive is the best word to describe Satya Organics, founded by an Anishinaabe member of the Fort William First Nation, Patrice Mousseau.

The company produces a wide range of eczema-friendly products, from soothing gliding sticks to flower oat baths for both children and adults. Each of the goods are free from fragrance, steroids, gluten, or parabens and are hypoallergenic and non-stinging. You can expect comforting ingredients such as calendula petals, organic cold-pressed sweet almond oil, beeswax, jojoba, and colloidal oatmeal.

While pursuing Satya Organics, Patrice provides a beautiful playlist of Indigenous music to unwind that can be found here.

Wildcraft

Who needs to treat themselves on occasion when the pursuit of self-love can be found everyday at Wildcraft? Owned by Laura Whitaker, a Haudenosaunee woman from the Six Nation of Grand River, Wildcraft allows you to shop by concern in detail, making it easy to tackle any skin-related concerns. This includes a clarifying face cream featuring calendula-infused grapeseed oil, a nourishing mask formulated with mineral-rich pink clay, and a regenerate serum infused with seabuckthorn.

On top of that, Wildcraft produces a silk sea sponge that has been used in cleansing ceremonies since prehistoric times. The sponge has an incredibly soft texture and high mineral content that allows you to gently exfoliate the skin. It is sustainability harvested and even biodegradable.

Mother Earth Essentials

Inspired by the teachings rooted in the plants of the Medicine Wheel, Mother Earth Essentials, built by Carrie Armstrong, who comes from a long line of Cree Medicine Women, provides a unique wellness experience through the many layers of wisdom and knowledge in her goods.

The elements used by Mother Earth Essentials represent each direction of the Medicine Wheel. This includes sweetgrass, often called the hair of Mother Earth; tobacco, a pathway to the spirit world; sage, to cleanse negative energy; and cedar, representing grounding and balance.

With that in mind, you can acquire soaps, mineral baths, mists, and body lotions containing these powerful ingredients.

Don’t forget to also check out Mother Earth Essentials’ ongoing workshops to deepen your skincare practice.

What indigenous-owned brands are you supporting lately? Let us know in the comments.

6 Safety Razors Doing Better For The Planet & Your Skin

updated on June 1, 2023 by Lauren Plug

As a product of the ’90s, my teenage years involved specifically seeking out the smallest, lightest, and least-bladed razors to help me achieve ‘peak femininity’ (and I have the scars to prove it). So when I laid eyes on my first safety razor, the environmentalist in me rejoiced, but the ’90s kid in me was taken aback.

It was large, bulky, and heavy, but most importantly, it required *gulp* effort.

But after some, okay a lot, of research into safety razors vs. cartridge razors, I quickly found the benefits of a safety razor largely outweighed the convenience of a (plastic) cartridge razor. And after making the switch, my days of plastic ‘refills’ and plastic disposable razors are behind me. My skin and my conscience are happy and I’m convinced everyone should make the switch.

photo by Oui The People

Safety razors vs cartridge razors: what’s the difference?

Safety razors may look new and shiny, but they’re kind of the OG way to shave. Waaaay back in the early 1900s, King Camp Gillette—yep, that Gillette—patented the first safety razor. With some help, he invented a blade so thin you could throw it away instead of sharpening it. How convenient!

By the early 1970s, everyone was using a partially disposable razor, and by the end of the decade, the fully disposable razor was living its best life.

Benefits of safety razors over cartridge (disposable) razors

After 100+ years, safety razors are recapturing our attention as they embody a perfect blend of convenience and sustainability with the added bonus of being great for your skin.

Safety Razor Benefits For Your Skin

A silky smooth close shave – It’s the angle of the razor against your skin that gives you a close shave, not necessarily the number of blades.
Reduced razor burn and irritation – Having the touchpoint of only one blade is a huge benefit for anyone with sensitive skin or prone to shaving irritation.
Reduced acne, bumps, and ingrown hairs – Multiple blades pull, tug, and repeat, whereas the single blade reduces that pull leading to less razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs.
Safety razors also easily come apart for cleaning. You can’t really clean a cartridge razor so soap, skin, and other stuff remain in between the blades and on the strip and contributes to acne and irritation.

The razor industry generated a staggering amount of revenue and pollution in 2021 ($17,405,000 to be exact). With recyclable metal handles and infinitely recyclable stainless steel blades, safety razors significantly reduce plastic waste.

safety razor benefits for the environment

No plastic is manufactured or sent to the landfill
Refills are affordable, universal (and plastic-free) – The universal design of the blades allows for affordable replacements from various retailers or local eco-shops—meaning long-term convenience and cost savings for you.
Blades and handles are recyclable – Many take-back programs are available which ensure blade recycling.
Extremely long lifespans – A safety razor will last you for years but it’s great to know that if/when you need to dispose of your razor, the entire razor can be recycled.
- Return your blades to the original manufacturer.
- Contact your recycling center for local recycling instructions.
- Check out local eco-stores for blade return programs.

How long does a safety razor last?

With good care and maintenance, a safety razor handle will last for years, potentially even a lifetime. The duration of each blade will vary depending on how often you use it, and your preference, but the general consensus is that each blade will last around 6 shaves.

Keeping your razor clean and ‘dry’ will help the razor and the blades last longer and keep it from rusting.

To clean your safety razor

Rinse off the hair and soap
Open the razor
Shake off the water/pat dry
Close it back up tightly
Keep it stored out of the water.

How to use a safety razor

Safety razors are known for higher quality shaves mostly because of their purposeful design and the materials used to make them.

Tips for using a safety razor

Select an assistant (soap, oil, shaving cream)
Place the razor against your skin at a 30-45 degree angle
Lightly pull, working with the shape and weight of the razor.

Because the head doesn’t pivot (on most), you’ll want to pay closer attention to the shape of your skin and adjust as you go. If you have thick or coarse hair, try shaving with the direction of hair growth first and then repeat against the direction of hair growth.

How to choose & change a safety razor

There are a few varieties of safety razors to fit different preferences and needs. Look for a style that makes the most sense to you!

*When changing and handling your blade, grab the blade by the short outer ends.

the two-piece

On a two-piece safety razor, the top piece screws on and off from the bottom piece which is attached to the handle.

To insert the blade, unscrew the top piece, place the blade on the mounting posts, put the top piece back on, and tightly secure it.

the butterfly

The butterfly razor feels both modern and ancient at the same time. Twist the lower part of the handle which will open the top piece in two flaps from the center outward. Put the blade in the middle and twist the handle again to close it tightly.

the three piece

In the three-piece safety razor, the handle detaches from the two top components.

To change the blade, unscrew the handle from the top two pieces, separate them, insert the blade, reform the sandwich, and screw the handle back on.

6 plastic-free safety razors outperforming their cartridge counterparts

Oui The People. Oui The People, previously recommended by Eco Club, makes the list again. With a focus on creating a beautiful and functional product for sensitive skin, their carefully crafted two-piece razors ensure a smooth shave anytime, anywhere. *No blade return program offered.

Albatross. Inspired by majestic ocean-flying birds, the Albatross razor company was born from a sailor’s firsthand experience of ocean pollution, trash, and wildlife destruction. Albatross offers three razor options and a unique return program that upcycles old blades into reusable silverware!

UpCircle Beauty. UpCircle Beauty, a certified B-Corp, started when two siblings noticed the wasted potential of coffee grounds, tea leaves, and fruit stones. They began repurposing coffee grounds into skincare products and have quickly expanded into a full line of skincare including a plastic-free two-piece safety razor! A blade return program is available for UK-based residents.

Leaf Shave. Leaf Shave is revolutionizing shaving with razors that offer a superior shave, reduce single-use plastic waste, save CO2 emissions, and eliminate tons of packaging. Create a personalized shaving experience with three customizable safety razors and a blade return program for proper recycling.

Eco Roots. Eco Roots is a female-owned brand empowering everyone to shop zero waste. Their stainless steel three-piece safety razor is crafted with precision and elegance and fits every shaving need, preference, and aesthetic while remaining 100% recyclable. *No blade return program offered.

Gillette. Gillette safety razor and blade refills, inspired by the original centuries-old design, are available at Target for a low-waste shave. Gillette currently partners with TerraCycle to provide a blade recycling program near you.

It’s pretty obvious I’m a safety razor fan, and I hope you are too now! In the great razor debate, these 6 brands are not only a ~cut~ above the rest, but they’re also delivering superior environmental and skin benefits that only a safety razor can provide.

6 Black-Owned Wellness Businesses to Support this February and Beyond

updated on May 24, 2023 by Mindy Chung

It’s that time of year again! February is Black History Month, and that means we get to discover—and promote—Black-owned brands and companies we may not have heard of before. So in case you’ve been meaning to look up some new sustainable alternatives and ways to support small Black-owned businesses, here’s 6 bookmark for your next trip to the wellness aisle!

Brown Girl Jane

Black female owned and operated, BGJ focuses on resolving inequity in the wellness space for WOC. The company sells an array of fragrances, CBD supplements, skincare, and candles—all ethically sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free. Their pledge for transparency means you can see what ingredients they don’t include, and their 3^rd party lab test result here.

Oui the People

While this company may sound more like a fragrance brand than the last, Oui the People actually sells personal grooming supplies—most notably their razors. Their mission statement outlines how they’re creating sustainability from “product to packaging” with their reusable glass bottles and stainless-steel recyclable blade heads, as well as reiterating their commitment to continue creating more opportunities for sustainability in their process.

Olamina Botanicals

Centered in healing with herbalism and holistic solutions, Olamina is an incredibly curated and seasonal apothecary. The company sources their ingredients directly from a community of medicinal herb farmers, as well as from plants they grow and harvest themselves. This Black-female founded brand offers salves, tinctures, tonics, and more. All with the intention of empowering you to heal your mind, body, and spirit.

Reel Paper

Eco club member Reel has created a tree-free, sustainable toilet paper alternative out of bamboo (that’s surprisingly soft!). The B-Corp Certified company not only packages in plastic-free recyclable paper and biodegradable packing materials, they also work to offset any carbon emissions created by their supply chain through partnerships with Flexport and the Carbonfund.org Foundation. Set up a recurring subscription and never worry about running out again, and find more ways to make your bathroom more sustainable here.

Honeypot

A Black female-founded and owned period product company Honeypot gives back in multiple ways. The products themselves are hypoallergenic, plant-based, cruelty free, and Organic Content Standard (OCS) certified. Honeypot also dedicates a percentage of its sales to donate to organizations that support sexual wellness services, clean water and menstrual product accessibility, and health education.

BLK+GRN

BLK+GRN is a collection of Black female artisans whose products have been vetted to create a sustainability-centric marketplace. Their mission is to create a space that funds Black women and their businesses while offering non-toxic health and wellness products to Black consumers. Their rigorous 4 step approval process ensures that every product offered on their platform is sustainably sourced and packaged, made of clean ingredients and tested for efficacy by in-house professionals.

While this is only a minute sampling of the vastly untapped market of Black-owned businesses—concentrated here in the wellness space—hopefully one or two of the names on this list caught your attention. These companies all work towards the betterment of the Black community; giving back monetarily or by creating a product that fills a need for a green alternative to everyday goods. Allyship doesn’t always have to be something you share on your social media. Sometimes all you have to do to support POC businesses is wipe with bamboo.

6 Powerhouse Mushrooms to Add to Your Diet

updated on July 4, 2022 by Mindy Chung

I don’t know why, but talking about mushrooms always makes me giggle. Maybe it’s because when you mention mushrooms people seem to imagine hippies, and tie-dye, and lots of fringe. They think that you’re going to tell them a story about transcending the universe or limping through a bad trip. But with the rise in holistic health and natural supplements, mushrooms have taken on a whole new purpose and image in the public eye.

Curiosity and experimentation have driven a new interest in the health benefits of non-psychoactive mushrooms; they’ve been shown to help with anxiety, stress, and even sleep. And while I can’t choose the best mushroom supplement for your personal needs, this guide will help you decipher which mushroom has the kind of benefits you’re looking for. Here are the 6 most common mushrooms you’ll find today, and what they’re supposed to help with.

best mushroom supplement for health + what they do

Cordyceps for energy

These mushrooms are known for helping your body oxygenate more efficiently. That means better blood flow, and in turn, more energy. Cordyceps are a great choice for athletes or anyone prioritizing their physical health. They’ve been shown to improve performance, speed up recovery time, and may also help with libido. So, whether you’re trying to work up a sweat in the gym, or in the bedroom, this mushroom has got your back.

Lion’s Mane for the brain

One of the most potent medicinal mushrooms, lion’s mane is a fantastic aid for mental clarity and cognition. Full of antioxidants, this hairy mushroom boosts immunity while lowering anxiety. It helps to create calm focus, promotes memory retention, and is great for anyone who needs help studying. It’s amazing for brain health because it fosters and promotes nerve growth and preservation, which can help prevent neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s later on in life.

Reishi for your mood

I feel like out of all the mushroom supplements, reishi has been dominating center stage the last few years. It’s no surprise when you consider its calming effects; in a world that’s full of stressful situations, I’m sure everyone could use some help relaxing now and then. The effects of reishi can also help with depression and sleep as it boosts and stabilizes your mood via the powerful antioxidant, triterpene, it contains. So if you’re looking for something to help you wake up a little happier every day, or maintain your mood throughout the day, reishi may be just what you need.

Turkey Tail for immunity

I always think this is such a funny name, but if you’ve ever seen a fresh turkey tail, you’d know the moniker is pretty accurate. This striped and fan-shaped mushroom has been studied for its cancer-fighting properties, and contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) which is known to stimulate the immune system. Turkey tail is so effective it’s used in Asia as a supplement to cancer treatments, and is being studies for its potential to slow tumor growth. This mushroom is a great choice for anyone who is particularly conscientious about their physical health and wellness.

Chaga for aging

While every one of these mushrooms is a great source of antioxidants, chaga is a particularly great choice for combating oxidative stress, which is known to cause skin aging. Its anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can also help with feeling old, and not just with physical signs of aging. This is a great choice for someone who may be a little older, who wants to look as youthful as they feel.

Shiitake for cholesterol

A common edible mushroom used in a variety of cuisines, shiitakes make seem more like an average joe in comparison to the other fungi on this list. But while the delicious umami-flavor may be what initially attracts you to this mushroom, shiitakes are actually also known to promote heart health and lower cholesterol. They contain eritadenine, a compound that inhibits an enzyme that can contribute to the production of cholesterol, as well as sterols, which block cholesterol absorption in your body. So, if you’re looking to switch out the Cheerios or Special K for something less sugary, shiitakes may be something you’d like to add to your diet.

Have you ever tried a mushroom supplement?